President Donald Trump praised Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday, highlighting her nation’s commitments to major US energy and technology investments and signaling a strengthening of bilateral ties, reports AP.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, joined Trump during a visit to US troops aboard the USS George Washington and participated in meetings that culminated in announcements of up to $550 billion in Japanese investments in the United States, including $100 billion each for nuclear projects led by Westinghouse and GE Vernova.

Trump described the day as a “victory lap,” emphasizing the strong US-Japan alliance and pledging continued support. Takaichi, who drew on her ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, also discussed cultural exchanges, including sending cherry trees and fireworks to mark America’s 250th anniversary, and hosted a working lunch featuring Japanese-American cuisine.

The two leaders signed agreements promoting cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths, under a framework they called a “golden age” of bilateral relations. Trump also noted Toyota’s plan to invest $10 billion in US auto plants.

Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday, met the emperor, and is scheduled to continue his Asia trip with visits to South Korea and China to advance trade and regional security discussions.

MSH

At least 34 people, including two babies were killed when a contraband fuel depot exploded into flames in southern Benin near the border with Nigeria on Saturday.

According to Beninese Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, “a serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji. Another 20 people were seriously wounded in the incident.”

"I can't really give you the cause of the fire, but there is a large gasoline warehouse here and cars, tricycles and motorcycles come from morning to evening,” he added.

Nigeria is a main oil and gas producer where fuel smuggling is very common along its borders, particularly when the government maintains a subsidy to keep fuel prices low.

The majority of the victims were burnt and they could not be not be identified.

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